Notes

What does “Ballona” Mean (and how is it pronouced)? Most of the Spanish names of California are easily translated, but in the case of La Ballona there is some mystery. Not even the Machados who were the first owners of Rancho La Ballona are sure of what it really means. No doubt the reason for the mystery is that in the early. days the name was often spoken, but rarely written. According to David Worsfold: "Ballona" has been an officially established name in this area for over a century, but my study of history has led me to believe that this is not the proper or original spelling . . .. It should he spelled "Bayona," but pronounced "By-ona," the same as the accepted pronunciation of Ballona, where the double "l" is given the "y" sound.

“The origin of the word Ballona is a matter of debate. Some historians think it derives from the Spanish word ballena, whale. Others believe it stems from the Spanish port city of Bayona, the ancestral home of the Talamantes family. And there are those who insist it is a Californio corruption of the English word bay. A case has been made for each theory, but each case has its critics. The point will probably remain forever moot.” – S. Ravi Tam